Chapter 23: Arachnes

The Royal Academy occupied land is like of a small town. The total number of faculty and staff in the school was around three thousand. It was a closed education system, which meant that any small event could quickly spread throughout the school. This time, the rumors involved two influential figures among the new students, making them highly fresh and interesting, causing the gossip to become more intense.

Jorgus, a commoner, was a strong competitor for the position of chief knight in the Warrior class.

Aresia, the Duke’s daughter, was highly regarded due to her exceptional performance in academics. She had already been recognized as the top student by the first year of the magic department, and there was no one in the class who could compete with her.

This gossip about the two leaders was especially intriguing, combining a commoner and a noble girl. It was like a romantic love story that people imagined based on this gossip.

The rapid expansion of the rumor was likely due to these factors. However, Aresia was not paying much attention to the gossip as she was focused on the upcoming exams. And as the examination days comes close the rumor stop for a while as everyone focused on their studies.

The exams for the magic class started with written tests, covering various subjects. The practical exams for magic and potions would take place later.

Due to the exam schedule, the exams for the first day were usually completed in the morning, which provided them with a half-day break.

Aresia’s exams went smoothly. She made sure that all her answers were correct, as the Archmage’s prestige did not tolerate any mistakes in basic questions.

The exams for the magical class were going well. Aresia chose Fireball for the basic magic exam, as she had already demonstrated her affinity for fire magic. Water magic was not suitable for her at the moment. In the potion class, they were tested on a healing potion, and Aresia had already impressed Master Victor with her skill in making healing potions. She didn’t find any difficulties in the exams.

After the exams, students of the Academy can now go to their home for holidays.

The Duke’s carriage was waiting at the school gate. Since it wasn’t the weekend, the servants were not allowed to enter the school. Aresia didn’t have anything that needed to be brought back to the mansion, so as soon as the exams were over, she headed straight to the school gate.

The carriage with the Duke’s emblem stopped at the school gate, and the steward was waiting beside it. Aresia greeted him and got into the carriage. Originally, she planned to go directly to the spider egg, but it was already close to lunchtime, so they should go back to have a meal first.

“Steward Aaron, you have been working hard during my time at the academy. Take these two days off; you deserve some rest,” Aresia said.

The steward’s face showed concern for Aresia. He saw her becoming thinner during her time at the academy. She used to have servants taking care of her, but now, besides attending classes, she also had to deal with the textile factory, which required her to prepare the materials, design magic looms, and handle material procurement. Each task was not simple, and every time Aaron saw Aresia, he felt distressed.

In fact, Aresia had grown a little taller during this time, and the side effects of the Soul Elixir made her appearance less healthy.

She gently dismissed his worries, saying that she is okay.

The carriage began the journey back to the mansion, and on the way, Aresia inquired about the recent situation from the steward.

The first batch of customized magic looms/weaver had been fully put into production, and the second batch had started to be delivered. They ensured that all the delivered magic looms were working properly, which allowed them to guarantee a steady supply. The textile factory had also recruited a group of textile workers.

It was worth mentioning that most of the textile workers in Holy Lotean City had already found employment. Aaron had recruited the first ten by poaching from other employers, insisting that only the best were qualified to work for Aresia. Others who came to recruit were trying to poach as well, but after the introduction of magic looms, textile skills were no longer the main requirement. Instead, they needed people who were hardworking and able to quickly adapt to operating the magic looms. This made Aaron quite satisfied with his decision.

“Furthermore, the Gryphon Legion has placed an order for ten thousand meters of spider silk fabric for their uniforms.”

Aresia asked, “Is it the decision of the Legion or my father’s idea?”

It was unclear who proposed it at the meeting.

It was indeed the decision of the Legion itself. They had recognized the quality of their spider silk fabric. If it was solely the idea of Duke Rogest, then it would be a favor for his own child.

Regardless, the recruitment at the textile factory was going well.

Aaron explained, “The procurement officer from the Legion came to discuss it. They made the decision themselves, and the Duke didn’t send me any message. His idea is to focus on our production. If there are any difficulties, we can directly reject it.”

“But the Legion informed us of their demand. If we can meet the requirements, we should promise them. However, we don’t have to set a fixed time; let’s deliver the first batch within two months.”

Two months later, it would be the peak of hot weather, which was indeed suitable for wearing spider silk fabric clothes.

“If we can do it, then promise them. Don’t fix the delivery time. It’s not easy to finalize the alchemy workshop’s production schedule, and the textile factory has been quite busy,” Aresia replied.

“I know what to do.”

After discussing these matters, Aaron brought up another issue.

“According to Flamel, the person in charge of the alchemy workshop, there have been some people secretly inquiring about the magic looms. He advised us to be cautious. Also, the guards around the textile factory have noticed a significant increase in suspicious individuals.”

He was not too concerned about the alchemy workshop since they had a magic contract, and it would be challenging for anyone to acquire the magic looms or design blueprints without the employer’s permission. However, he was worried that someone might target the textile factory. After all, the textile industry, especially with the magic looms, was a weapon that even unscrupulous businessmen wanted. With the magic looms, the speed of textile production increased significantly, allowing them to have a more abundant supply and income. Besides the local businessmen, there were many foreign merchants in Holy LoteanCity.

The safety of the textile factory was a more pressing issue.

This was why Aaron had increased the number of guards, but he knew that this was not a long-term solution.

Whoever was determined to steal the magic looms would find a way, and the defense of the textile factory might not be able to withstand it.

Moreover, it was not just the magic looms that they might be after. The spider silk fabric itself was likely also their target.

The people who were eager to make money would do whatever it took. Although the Rogest family was strong, it didn’t mean that everybody feared them, let alone the fact that, apart from the family members themselves, there were many foreign businessmen in the city.

Aaron was somewhat concerned about the safety of the textile factory.

However, Aresia was not too worried about the textile factory’s security. The solidifying agent was in her hands, and without it, there would be no spider silk fabric. Moreover, Aresia had spent a lot of time at the academy, and there were many high-level practitioners there, including wizards. In addition to the school’s defense system, it was enough to protect it. Furthermore, who would dare to attack a textile factory that produced spider silk fabric, knowing that it was designed by a duke? This confidence came from the fact that it was produced with the help of a mage, and many other high-level practitioners were also there.

The problem seemed more significant concerning the magic looms. Aaron listened to Flamel’s advice regarding the security of the magic looms. The construction of the magic looms was not difficult, so it would be a matter of time before someone managed to acquire one. In this world, there was no concept of patents or intellectual property rights. Although Aresia had designed the magic looms, once someone understood the principle, they could make their own loom.

Aaron was slightly worried about the security of the textile factory.

This was indeed a problem, and Aresia was well aware of the greed and wickedness of human nature. Those who pursued their interests would do anything to obtain them. Strengthening the defense of the textile factory was not a solution to the problem.

Aresia said calmly, “If they want the magic looms, let’s sell them.”

“Huh? Are we really going to sell them?” Aaron couldn’t believe that it would be that easy.

Aresia reassured him, “The construction of the magic looms is not that complicated. Even if they manage to acquire the design and the actual machine, it won’t be long before they can replicate it. It’s easier for them to acquire the machine or the design than for us to keep them away.”

“Instead of worrying about them, let’s be proactive and sell the design. This way, we can make a profit.”

“Besides, the foundation of our textile factory is spider silk fabric, and the magic looms are secondary. Even if others have magic looms, they won’t have the exclusive production of spider silk fabric. The textile factory’s position is still strong.”

If others obtained the magic looms, the fabric they produced would be ordinary, and it wouldn’t pose a threat.

In addition to spider silk fabric, there are various types of magical fabrics. While Aresia was not very knowledgeable about the production process of magical fabrics, she knew the materials used, as anyone who buys fabric or clothes can distinguish them. She planned to study them more in the future and believed that she could replicate them soon.

Moreover, the textile factory would not only produce spider silk fabric but also other magical fabrics. Would customers not come to the textile factory?

Aaron was initially skeptical, but Aresia’s confidence convinced him. He asked, “How should we sell the magic looms? Should we auction the design or cooperate with the alchemy workshop for production?”

Aresia shook her head and proposed an unexpected method: “No, let’s directly list them for sale at the Adventurer’s Guild.”

Although the Adventurer’s Guild had a similar business, it was an established institution, and with the reputation of the Rogest family, it would be convenient to list them there, not to mention that they wouldn’t be without commission.

Aaron quickly recovered from his initial surprise and said with a hint of helplessness, “Alright, Miss Aresia, it’s your decision. I don’t know how to handle this.”

Aresia chuckled at his reaction and spoke affectionately, “Dear Steward Aaron, this is my thing, and you have the right to voice any objections.”

Afterward, Aresia inspected the high-level spider eggs. She asked Aaron if there were any people in the mansion who liked spiders or were not afraid of them. Aaron provided a few names, but he couldn’t be certain.

Aresia smiled and said, “Let’s ask the mansion’s staff if there are any suitable candidates.”

Aaron quickly summoned the servants and asked if any of them were interested in and not afraid of spiders.

It seemed difficult to find someone among the staff who met the requirements. The servants were ordinary people, and it was unlikely that any of them would be willing to take care of the spider eggs.

“Let’s ask around. Perhaps someone unexpected will be interested,” Aresia suggested.

Aaron agreed and instructed the servants to inquire among their acquaintances. It would be challenging to find someone suitable among the staff, but they might come across someone unexpected who met the requirements.

Meanwhile, Aresia inspected the remaining spider eggs, focusing on the high-level ones. She carefully examined each egg to determine its species and status of development. The eggs were covered in thick spider silk, making it difficult to see if there was any light passing through or if they were already hatching.

Regardless of their actual gender, spider with a human-like faces on their upper bodies and a spider lower body is a rare humanoid beast that was often called “Arachnes.” Distinguishing their gender is simple – besides the color pattern of their spider bodies, the presence or absence of markings on their human-like chests indicates male or female, respectively.

Regardless of gender, these beasts have a natural dominance over lower-level spider-like beasts, even those from different species. Even if they are not of the same species, Arachnes can control lower-level beasts of any species.

Furthermore, Aresia values not only their physical abilities but also the intelligence of these spider beasts. Arachnes are highly intelligent creatures known for using their human-like upper bodies to lure prey closer, while their controlled spiders ambush and attack. This hunting strategy is highly effective.

Studies in this world have shown that the intelligence of Arachnes is comparable to that of a ten-year-old human child. By the time they reach the seventh level, their mental capacity surpasses that of a fifteen-year-old human, and they can even acquire knowledge beyond what is taught in formal education. These spiders are capable of understanding human language and possess significant knowledge.

Aresia was intrigued by the possibility of obtaining Arachnes, even though she had listed them in the inventory with little hope of success. The inclusion of these valuable spider eggs meant she wasn’t willing to entrust them to anyone else.

She turned to Aaron and asked, “Do you dislike spiders? Are you afraid of them, especially Arachnes like these?”

Aaron, who was almost twenty years older than the Duke, had aged more rapidly than usual. Unlike the Duke’s family, who called him “grandfather,” Aresia couldn’t bring herself to use that title. Although Aaron didn’t doubt Aresia’s intentions, being less than seventy years old, he didn’t appreciate being called “grandfather” and found it impolite.

Aaron had knowledge about Arachnes, having seen their bodies in previous auctions. Compared to other spider-like beasts, he found these humanoid spiders particularly fearsome. Despite their terrifying appearance, he couldn’t deny the beauty of the Arachnes’ human-like upper bodies. Moreover, their spider bodies were not covered in the usual creepy, hairy texture but rather had a smooth and shiny appearance, resembling a precious gemstone or a meticulously carved jade sculpture.

He replied to Aresia, “Regardless of their strength or fearsomeness, aside from their appearance, they are quite fascinating creatures.”

Aresia chuckled and said, “Well then, I won’t force you.”

Aaron was taken aback by her response. He couldn’t believe that she would let him off the hook so easily.

Aresia noticed his confusion and explained to her servants, who had paused their work on the spider eggs due to the conversation, “Bring me a few pots.”

When the servants brought the pots, Aresia divided the high-level spider eggs into separate pots. She poured a diluted silk-hardening agent into each pot and carefully extracted the silk from the eggs.

Among lower-level beasts, it was common for higher-level beasts to eat their own siblings while hatching. This was especially true for higher-level beasts because even if they had a small number of eggs in a brood, only one or two would survive to hatch.

She removed the silk from the eggs and separated them for incubation.

The silk-hardening agent made the silk lose its stickiness, allowing the servants to gently stir and remove it. Soon, the silk was stripped away, revealing various eggs with different appearances.

Although they were eggs, they were incredibly tough and couldn’t be easily destroyed. The hardening agent didn’t affect them.

The stripped eggs were washed with water and placed back into clean pots. Aresia poured a specially prepared nutrient solution into the pots. Each bottle contained around 200 milliliters of liquid, and the process was straightforward – just pour it onto the eggs and let them absorb it. Depending on the quality of the nutrient solution, the amount used varied. Aresia prepared a high-grade nutrient solution for the high-level spider eggs, using one bottle per egg. As for the low-level spider eggs, she prepared a batch of low-grade nutrient solution, which was less expensive.

However, Aresia didn’t plan on incubating the low-level spider eggs. They hatched faster, and it was difficult to determine if they would become leader spiders. Moreover, even if they did become leaders, they couldn’t control the higher-level spiders. The large number of low-level spiders could become dangerous if controlled by a leader spider. Therefore, Aresia had no intention of hatching them.

She instructed Aaron, “Bring the low-level spider eggs and continue monitoring the high-level spider eggs. After stripping and cleaning them, it seems that there are more high-level eggs than I originally estimated. It was difficult to gather such a large number in such a short time.”

High-level spider eggs have a relatively long incubation period. According to Aresia’s calculations, some of these eggs may take one to two months to hatch. The incubation period for the four high-level spider eggs might be even longer. On the other hand, Arachnes hatchlings have a shorter incubation period, less than half a month.

Aresia took one of the fully absorbed Arachnes spider eggs in a pot and handed it to Aaron.

“Do you mind taking care of this egg? It needs two doses of nutrient solution per grid. Pour one bottle of nutrient solution for it to absorb each time. Whenever you have free time, accompany the spider egg, talk to it, or gently stroke it to foster a bond.”

Foster a bond? Aaron couldn’t help but think this was raising a potential death machine.

Aaron’s face turned pale, and he forced a smile. “Miss Aresia, although I am happy to serve, I am just an ordinary person. If it hatches, my life…”

He didn’t doubt Aresia’s intention to harm him, but as an ordinary person, he couldn’t help but be afraid of such a high-level creature, even in its unhatched state.

“Don’t worry, I have set up a magic circle. Once the egg shows signs of hatching, we will activate the magic circle to contain it.”

The Arachnes hatchlings were highly feared, but the danger they posed was less than that of a Level 1 beast. Aaron noted this and realized that they wouldn’t harm him.

Furthermore, Aresia had more to assure him of.

“Seal it away and secure this scroll.”

Aresia took out the long-prepared contract scroll.

Aaron took the scroll, which had no information on its surface. A bow was tied around it, and once undone, the scroll would immediately activate. He hesitated, not knowing what to do.

He wondered if this was a magical scroll meant to protect him. However, Aresia’s words made him doubt if his ears were playing tricks on him.

“This is a beast companion contract scroll. When the Arachnes hatches, it will sign the contract and obey our commands.”

Beasts needed to be tamed before they could sign contracts. However, young hatchlings like these didn’t require taming. They could directly enter into a contract.

Aaron felt the scroll in his hands become unusually heavy, and he struggled to hold it.

Not just him, the group of servants who had been quietly organizing spider eggs also paused in shock and looked at Aresia.

With her golden hair tied up high in a ponytail, her exquisite and cold appearance seemed calm. However, her words felt like casting a forbidden curse, oblivious to the potential enormous changes it could bring to this world.